Aurora Watch (UK)

Stay updated on Aurora Borealis sightings in the UK with AuroraWatch UK!

Witnessing the aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a breathtaking experience. AuroraWatch UK helps you track geomagnetic activity and receive alerts when aurora viewing may be possible from the UK.

Key Features:

• Geomagnetic Activity Alerts: Receive push notifications when the AuroraWatch status level changes, indicating a higher likelihood of aurora visibility. (Note: Battery saver modes may interfere with notifications.)
• Real-time Status: Check the current alert status.
• Recent History: View geomagnetic activity from the last 24 hours.
• 30-Minute Forecast: Access a 30-minute forecast model from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

Important Notes:

• Not a Forecasting App: AuroraWatch UK is not a precise forecasting tool; it provides alerts based on geomagnetic activity.
• Notification Settings: Ensure notifications are enabled for the AuroraWatch UK app in your phone's settings. Missed alerts may occur if your phone is off or offline during a brief status increase.
• Alert Delays: A delay exists before alerts are sent to allow data stabilization, as recommended by Lancaster University.
• Location Considerations: Alerts primarily use data from a Lancaster magnetometer, leading to potentially more conservative alerts for those further north than England. The Shetland magnetometer data is not always used.
• Third-Party App: This app is developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects and is not an official Lancaster University application. Data is provided by Lancaster University using SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks. Learn more: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction

Version 1.97 (Updated Oct 20, 2024):

• Added abbreviations to the "About" section.
• Added Bristol and Portsmouth to the location list.
• Added a new optional alert notification triggered by specific value increases. This means you can receive additional notifications if the nT value increases further after an initial alert (e.g., from red to a higher level).

Aurora Watch (UK) Screenshots